(This review may contain spoilers).
Having read the previous two books in this series, I was very happy to read this book.
The storyline in the green forest felt more real to me than the one in modern-day Earth, I have to say. Even though the danger in both realities was intense, I was able to engage with the green forest storyline more, especially since the danger had a more physical form. Plus, it was interesting to see the contrast between Elyon (Justin) and his plans for Chelise and what Teeleh wanted. I did, however, have a major problem with how the Circle referred to Chelise’s people. Yes, it made sense that there would be hostility and conflicts. But for the followers of Elyon (God) to use terminology like ‘whore’… really didn’t sit right with me.
While there were some instances of information dumping/summarising of interactions between Thomas and Chelise, it was good to see how both of them grew to know each other and how their relationship developed over the course of the book. Plus, there was a lot of angst in this book that made it really quite intense to read at times.
I thought it was good to see Johan’s opinion of the Horde, but what was also particularly intriguing to see was how the Horde viewed themselves. It made little sense to me for them to insist on keeping the society the way it was, particularly when it came to Ciphus. After all, he was part of the forest guard in book two and in this book, he seemed to have lost his way entirely…but he didn’t realise exactly what was wrong with him. I actually had a lot of sympathy for Ciphus and Qurong and the rest of the Horde who were blinded by the disease.
I did think that the blank books disappearing seemed to be a bit too convenient for the plot. And then again, they were also convenient for the beginning of the book. It would have been more interesting for Thomas to figure out a way without having had said way effectively handed to him.
I was disappointed not to see Thomas really interacting with his children…and while I’ve yet to read Green, I can kind of understand why Samuel went in such a different direction. But I still plan to read Green…and the Lost Books. Because this book wasn’t perfect, but it was still a thoroughly enjoyable read as far as I was concerned.
Ink of Blood 